Some might say that novels have no real relevance in our modern day society, that they are a waste of time and hold no real worth. Nevertheless, whether you believe it or not we do study them for a reason. A phenomenal example of the necessity novels still holds in our literary heritage is ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ by Margaret Atwood. It entails a dystopian society in which we will see come to life if we continue to disregard the importance of the freedoms and rights that we as humans deserve. All of the attitudes, values and beliefs underpinned within the text of this book come from events that have occurred in the past, whether it is about the abuse of political power or reproductive rights, humans have and will continue to make atrocious mistakes
…show more content…
Evidently this is done through accentuating the concept of people in high political positions abusing their power. However, this is again linked to the reproductive rights of women; incorporating this element by the mandatory procedures performed on Handmaids against their will like the compulsory monthly doctors’ appointments in chapter 11. Now I don’t know about you, but I certainly wouldn’t be happy if I was forced against my will to undergo medical procedures that I hold no need for. Unfortunately, this is also something that has become profoundly present in modern day society, with 24 states in the US having mandated the presentation of ultrasounds to an expectant mother wishing to receive an abortion. Essentially they are trying to guilt trip you, however, it doesn’t stop there; many of these states also must perform a second form of an ultrasound called a trans-vaginal ultrasound. This is an extremely invasive procedure and the fact that you would have no choice in the matter magnifies the absurd concept, becoming parallel with the mandatory doctors’ appointments in the book. This procedure is in no way beneficial to either party, it is a pointless medical procedure forced upon women to display the power they hold over them, even if it goes against their constitutional rights. In ‘The Handmaids Tale’ the leaders of Gilead horrifyingly suspended the constitution and all the rights that came with it and if America continues at this rate this totalitarian society will not be a piece of fiction, but a part of their
Evidently this is done through accentuating the concept of people in high political positions abusing their power. However, this is again linked to the reproductive rights of women; incorporating this element by the mandatory procedures performed on Handmaids against their will like the compulsory monthly doctors’ appointments in chapter 11. Now I don’t know about you, but I certainly wouldn’t be happy if I was forced against my will to undergo medical procedures that I hold no need for. Unfortunately, this is also something that has become profoundly present in modern day society, with 24 states in the US having mandated the presentation of ultrasounds to an expectant mother wishing to receive an abortion. Essentially they are trying to guilt trip you, however, it doesn’t stop there; many of these states also must perform a second form of an ultrasound called a trans-vaginal ultrasound. This is an extremely invasive procedure and the fact that you would have no choice in the matter magnifies the absurd concept, becoming parallel with the mandatory doctors’ appointments in the book. This procedure is in no way beneficial to either party, it is a pointless medical procedure forced upon women to display the power they hold over them, even if it goes against their constitutional rights. In ‘The Handmaids Tale’ the leaders of Gilead horrifyingly suspended the constitution and all the rights that came with it and if America continues at this rate this totalitarian society will not be a piece of fiction, but a part of their